Study links higher unprocessed meat intake to lower dementia risk for APOE gene carriers

A new study indicates that higher consumption of unprocessed meat may help protect against dementia in older individuals with certain APOE gene variants. Researchers followed over 2,100 participants for up to 15 years, tracking their diets and cognitive health.

Participants with the APOE 3/4 or 4/4 genotypes-linked to increased Alzheimer’s risk-had a higher likelihood of dementia if they ate less meat. Those who consumed more meat showed slower cognitive decline. The findings were published in JAMA Network Open.

The study did not examine extreme meat-only diets, as even high meat consumers still ate moderate amounts of cereal and dairy. Experts caution that while the results are promising, more research is needed to confirm causation.

The MIND diet, which emphasizes leafy greens, berries, nuts, and lean proteins, remains widely recommended for brain health.